Marlena Hood

Hello! My name is Marlena Hood. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor passionate about guiding individuals and couples through their unique journeys toward healing, growth, and empowerment. I specialize in working with clients who have experienced trauma, the LGBTQIA+ community, and clients seeking to learn skills for relationships of all kinds--such as healthy boundaries and clear communication. I am also experienced with integration work for those who have experienced altered states of consciousness and would like to further process and integrate their experience(s). My Approach: I believe that every person has the capacity for resilience and transformation. With a warm and caring approach, I create a safe, supportive, judgment free environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly. I am dedicated to helping you navigate the challenges you face and empower you to reclaim your narrative. I value laughter and joy in the therapeutic process. I believe that humor can be a powerful tool for healing, and I strive to create an environment where you feel comfortable to laugh and be yourself. I help clients understand, make sense of, and embrace their inner experiences. I utilize trauma-informed techniques that prioritize your safety and well-being. I often integrate techniques from a modality called Internal Family Systems (IFS) or "parts work". The IFS informed techniques allow us to explore different “parts” of you—as we all have parts of us that think, feel and believe differently about situations and relationships in our life. Connecting with different parts of you can allow for a deeper understanding of yourself and fostering healing from within. This approach is particularly effective for those who have experienced trauma, as it emphasizes self-compassion, healing the relationship you have with different parts of yourself, and the importance of listening to and nurturing all aspects of your being. My practice is rooted in a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. It is a top priority for me to create a safe, affirming space. I am passionate about providing compassionate care that acknowledges and honors your identity, experiences, and personal journey. I also support LGBTQIA+ clients in finding their voice and embracing their authentic selves. Together, we will work to navigate obstacles or challenges that you face, helping you build resilience, confidence, and self-acceptance. Whether you’re looking to enhance your relationships, navigating a life adjustment or transition, processing grief, seeking personal growth, or looking to improve your overall mental health, I offer practical tools, strategies and insights to help you achieve your goals. My approach emphasizes open dialogue and collaboration, allowing us to create a plan that feels right for you and that will help you to achieve your goals. I am committed to walking alongside you as you navigate your unique journey toward a more fulfilling and authentic life. If you’re ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment, I invite you to reach out. Let’s work together to create a path toward the life you envision! If you would like to learn more about our practice, check out our website at www.luminousjourneyscounseling.com